American Airlines will be the official airline sponsor for the June 10, 2012 National Puerto Rican Day Parade along Fifth Avenue in New York City. American, which recently celebrated 40 years of service to La Isla del Encanto, will host Q’Viva! The Chosen stars from Puerto Rico – Ektor Rivera, Jossette Reilly and Jose Febres – on the American Airlines float as it winds through Manhattan. American is the official airline partner of the show, which aired in the U.S. on both Fox (English) and Univision (Spanish) this spring. American provides transportation to Puerto Rico and throughout the Americas to help Q’Viva! uncover talent.

“American Airlines is a global company, connecting people from many different cultures and communities,” said Tim Ahern, American’s Vice President – New York and International. “Just as Q’Viva! The Chosen connected millions of fans from around the world, the National Puerto Rican Day Parade connects New Yorkers of all cultures.”

For more than 30 years, American Airlines has proudly partnered with the National Puerto Rican Day Parade to support causes that are important to the New York and Puerto Rican communities. The Parade honors more than 4 million people of Puerto Rican birth or heritage residing in the United States. Each year thousands of New Yorkers join the celebration, which emphasizes the achievements made by Puerto Ricans in business, government, sports and the arts.

American Airlines has served the New York market for more than 80 years and is committed to the Greater New York community by providing sponsorships and in-kind giving to many nonprofit and cultural organizations, including those engaged in such pursuits as ballet, opera, film and theater. Whether it’s for visiting friends and relatives, conducting business, or just traveling for vacation, American helps bring people closer together. American Airlines offers four daily flights from New York JFK to San Juan.